Episode 580 • • 2:01:39 - 2:11:34
580: Hiroshima Syndrome
Pioneers of Television and Sponsor Censorship
The PBS series *Pioneers of Television* is reviewed, focusing on how corporate sponsors historically censored content. Examples include the cancellation of the *Smothers Brothers* due to Vietnam War jokes and the refusal of sponsors to support Nat King Cole or Harry Belafonte due to racial prejudice. PBS is criticized for failing to name the specific sponsors involved, such as General Motors, to avoid offending current potential donors.